The Telegraph & Argus has opened this online book of condolence to bring together tributes to former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Abid Hussain, who has died from Covid-19.

Cllr Hussain served Keighley Central Ward since 2010 and was the Lord Mayor of Bradford from 2017 to 2018.

Anyone who would like to pay tribute or offer their condolences is invited to leave a message on this page. 

To add your own contribution, click here.

There may be a slight delay in your messages appearing on the page as they must first be approved by Telegraph & Argus staff.

Community answers

Book of Condolence - Councillor Abid Hussain

"Anyone who would like to pay tribute to Councillor Abid Hussain is invited to leave a message on this page using the form below"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Community contributor

My tribute:A very nice man. Helpful and willing to engage others.

From Rajeev Dewedi

My tribute:We were saddened and shocked to hear of the untimely departure of Cllr. Abid Hussain. I met him in the Hindu Temple on Leeds Road where he attended as our guest. He was a stoic supporter of multi faith community and the city’s initiative of cohesion and awareness of the various cultures and religion.

From Faiz Ilyas

My tribute:Councillor Abid Hussain was a rare type of person who's warmth and positivity radiated to everyone around him. I had the honour of getting to know him and his wife a few years ago during my time as an officer at the University of Bradford Students' Union. At the time I was a newly elected officer and he had just taken the mantle as the Lord Mayor. Abid once hosted us in the City's Council Chamber allowing us to us it for the Union's Council meeting. He met with us all despite his busy schedule. He gave us a lesson on the importance and burden of one's roles when taking on elected offices. On another occasion I remember being invited to a Mawlid (event in celebration and remembrance of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)). At this event Abid was given an opportunity to say a few words and sticking true to fashion Abid did not waste this opportunity to leave another lesson in spreading joy and happiness. I later got to spend further time with Abid when I became a candidate in the local elections in one of the Keighley wards. Again Abid would talk me through how to campaign in respectful way and how to learn from every opportunity. I only regret that I didn't get to spend more time with you. You were a truly genuine individual who kept good relations with everyone. The legacy you left will go on and inspire us all to work with the same ethic and fervour you have always done. May Allah elevate you and may He grant patience to your family and all who loved you during this difficult time. We will remember and cherish the great memories we have shared.

Photo:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lord Mayor Cllr Abid Hussain Jamati and his wife, the Lady Mayoress, hosting the elected officers of the University of Bradford Union of Students in the City Hall Council Chamber.Lord Mayor Cllr Abid Hussain Jamati and his wife, the Lady Mayoress, hosting the elected officers of the University of Bradford Union of Students in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lord Mayor Cllr Abid Hussain Jamati at the opening of the new Interfaith Space at the University of BradfordLord Mayor Cllr Abid Hussain Jamati at the opening of the new Interfaith Space at the University of Bradford

From Mohammed Ajeeb

My tribute:Abid Hussain was a popular Councillor and Lord Mayor, He will be remembered for services to the communities of Keighley and Bradford. His untimely death is a great loss to his family, friends and community. RIP

From Sajad Iqbal

My tribute:Tribute to my Beloved Uncle Abid Hussain My Uncle Our Martyr With insufferable loss comes unpayable debt. The Latter is owed by the family and friends of our late Uncle Abid to all our friends across the globe and in particular to Keighlians for the outpouring of love and support which is helping us through these hours. We thank you as much as is humanly possible. It is only Allah who can fittingly reward you. What follows are a few disjointed thoughts, if they fail to serve any other purpose, will at least share the burden of a broken heart. There are some geographical features on journeys that have been there for as long as we remember. They guide us and give us the assurance of familiarity, the confidence to carry on in the hope of getting home. And this is what Uncle Abid was for us on the journey of life – there from the day we opened our eyes: guiding, loving, cajoling, disciplining, inspiring. It’s the sudden absence of this mountain of a man, decreed by the uncompromising hand of fate, that has left an entire community in shock, disorientated and poorer for the road ahead. There isn’t anyone in our town whose life has not been touched in some way by Uncle Abid’s herculean efforts and yet most people have been moved by the personal friendship they had with him. Everyone, young or old, knew him personally, by name, and they carry that heavy feeling that weighs down the heart, left only by the absence of a dear friend. Even for his political adversaries he was a friend first and a formidable opponent second. They say the soul of a believer presides over his funeral, watching just as it was a bystander and my mind wondered what he may be thinking as he saw the multitudes pour into the masjid. It offered solace to see he looked on at the huge masjid complex – one that he had a big role in erecting - and endless rows of worshipers as a fitting final picture of his life’s work. His funeral fell on a bank holiday Friday – was any other day big enough to host the occasion? - they would all have altered their plans to be there anyway but were spared the effort and I felt he wouldn’t have had it any other way: it was his job to go out of his way for other people! Sheikh al-Kurdi famously said, ‘He who does not serve regrets’. Uncle Abid’s life of service left no room for regrets. In death, the souls of righteous believers find freedom from the limitations of this world and are free to roam the barzakh, the intermediary world, unfettered by time and space. As we lowered him onto a few paces of Keighlian soil, forever, Allah willing, an English-Kashmiri paradise, it was hard to envisage him resting. He’ll be of the rijal ul ghayb – men of the unseen - marshalling the souls of the believers, ever-present to help anyone in their time of need regardless of their race or creed. So fare thee well sweet martyr! We count down our days to when we see that smile once more and feel that warm embrace again. Sajid Iqbal PS: Thank you!!! Rashid Hussain, Asim Mahmood, Khalid Hussain, Azhar Hussain, Mozamil Hussain for helping me put these words together.

From Paul Atkinson

My tribute:So sad, so young! He brought so much to Keighley and to Bradford. One of such a distinguished line of Mirpuris and textile workers in our district, but also so much more.

From Ashfaq Nawaz

My tribute:Cllr Abid Hussain was very friendly and had always smile at his face. He loved helping community and never let down anybody in this matter. I am deeply saddened to hear about his death and pray to almighty Allah to give his soul the highest place in Jannah and give his family the patience to bear this loss.

From Mohammed Ibraheem

My tribute:Cllr Abid Hussain was a great man with a great personality. He was a true leader in our community. He was a real gem. Cllr Abid helped everyone he could and didn't let anyone down. You will be missed dearly uncle!!!😢 Gone but never forgotten 💔

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gone but never forgottenGone but never forgotten

From John Robertshaw

My tribute:Served on social care when I was Chair with Abib,and I can honestly echo Chris Greaves comments. A man with integrity and wisdom ,whose judgements were based on good for his fellow man,women and child.Many will say,we are a better person we are for knowing Abib.

From Abdul Satar

My tribute:Councillor Haji Abid was a lovely kind gentleman he would be a phone call away to attend our event for our homeless friends gone but never forgotten. May Allah swt bless him with a place in the highest rank in the gardens of paradise ameen 🤲

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A fine gentleman RIPA fine gentleman RIP

From Dr Abdul Bary Malik MBE

My tribute:Very sad news indeed about Cllr. Abid Hussain’s demise. He was a wonderful person, true servant always ready to provide help and support, fully committed Councillor and hard working gentleman. May Allah grant him highest abode in paradise and reward him for his services to Keighley and Bradford.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: My tribute to Cllr. Abid HussainMy tribute to Cllr. Abid Hussain

From Barbara Boyce

My tribute:Such sad news. I met him when he was Lord Mayor as I was Lord Mayor of York the same year. Really shocked to hear what happened to him. Condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Meeting of Lord Mayors of Bradford and York Nov 2017Meeting of Lord Mayors of Bradford and York Nov 2017

From Mohammed Shafiq

My tribute:Bradford has lost a hard working, people’s person. He will be remembered for ever. I have lost a good friend and a colleague. May Allah give him a place in paradise.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A huge loss to our communityA huge loss to our community

From Aziz Rahman

My tribute:Very saddened to hear about the passing away of brother Abid Hussain. He always had a smile on his face and always went out of his way to help everyone. He will be hugely missed by the people of Keighley and beyond. May Allah give patience to his family at this difficult time.

From Shah M Khokhar

My tribute:A true down to earth man. An honest and friendly person. Will be missed by the community.God bless him.

From Asad Khan

My tribute:Great hero who went out of his way to help anyone. RIP always remembered in the hearts and minds of the Keighley community.

From Javaid Akhtar

My tribute:‎إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ We all belong to Allah and to Him is our return May Allah swt grant our former Lord Mayor, District Cllr my friend and big brother the highest rank in janath and his family the patience at this hugely difficult time. It’s a massive loss not only for his family and friends but for the people of Keighley who he served with passion 24/7. His infectious smile will live on in our hearts forever!😭😭😭🤲🏻🤲🏻🤲🏻

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: At the Lord Mayors officeAt the Lord Mayors office

From Naveed ahmed

My tribute:RIP Councillor Abid Hussain, a truly lovely human being who will be deeply missed . May Allah Pak give him highest rank in jannat and family Sabah ameen .

From Manzoor hussain

My tribute:He was very humble person

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From Syed Shah

My tribute:inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un What a Great Humble guy . So saddened by this news my prayers and thoughts are with you And your family

From Gul Bahar

My tribute:My prayers and thoughts are with the family, such a great loss to the community.

From Ali Shah

My tribute:My deepest condolences to his family 👪 My father knew him very well, so much respect. Kind gentleman fabulous achievement becoming Lord Mayor 🙏

From Imran Khan

My tribute:A great man who was a the backbone of the Pakistani Community in keighley, May Allah forgive him and elevate his ranks

From Community contributor

My tribute:Very very sad News , known Uncle Abid since i was young from the shop days. He was a true people person , always willing to help within the community. A genuine human being , i left keighley some years ago , but he was surely one of the people you remembered and respected,and there was always a feeling that if ever needed he would be the phone call you needed to make. Heartfelt condolences to all the family. May Allah make his final journey easy and forgive his shortcomings as a human being . Ameen!

From Khadim Hussain

My tribute:It’s sad news big last for the Keighley community family and friends Haji Abid Hussain really great person his don lot of great work for Keighley my thoughts are with the family and friends my allah bless him highest rank in janat ul Fardus Ameen

From Ashfaq Hussain

My tribute:May Allah grant him jannah. He was a very nice man have known him for over 25 years now .he will be missed deeply . My condolences to all his family and friends

From Pervez naik

My tribute:It’s a sad loss to all the Bradford district not just keighley. He was great councillor and amazing human being who worked tirelessly for the good of every community. He will be greatly and sadly missed.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Rest in peace councillor Abid From pervezRest in peace councillor Abid From pervez

From Guftar hussain

My tribute:Abid true gentleman and good friend since we were kids I was shocked here news he’s death May Allah will give Saber to his family

From David Ryan

My tribute:Very sad news, particularly as it sounds like he was improving, and whilst I did not know him it sounds like Councillor Hussain was a credit to Bradford and did a great deal of good for the city. RIP Councillor Abid Hussain, and thoughts and prayers with his family and friends at this sad time.

From Abdullah Khan

My tribute:RIP! Councillor Abid Hussain was a great man. Very humble, kind and down to earth. His passing away is truly a great loss to the local community. We will always remember him in our great memories. May ALLAH (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen

From Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association

My tribute:On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Community in Keighley our deepest condolences go out to Cllr Abid Hussain's family. He was selfless in his service to our town and treated everyone with love and respect. May our next generation follow his excellent example and legacy. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cllr Abid Hussain with our former Youth Leader, Dr Adeem Rubani at last years Keighley Community Awards.Cllr Abid Hussain with our former Youth Leader, Dr Adeem Rubani at last years Keighley Community Awards.

From Safeer Saddique

My tribute:So sad to hear of the passing of Cllr Abid Hussain. Knew him since we were kids. Never seen him without a big smile on his face. always had nice things to say. May Allah (swt) grant him a high place in Jannah and his family sabr.

From CH.RIAZ AHMED

My tribute:He was very nice guy, helped a lot in the community. It is very sad news and shocking.

From Bob Thorp

My tribute:A very sad loss. I only knew Abid through Keighley Central Labour Party where he was unerringly, friendly, polite and professional. Condolences to his wife and family.

From Shakeel Anjum

My tribute:RIP Cllr Abid Hussain 🤲🤲 Cllr Abid was a great kind person and gentlemen. May Allah give him High Rank in Jannah ameen. Great loss for the community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. 🤲

From Zulquernain Khan Rajput

My tribute:PURE GEM OF KEIGHLEY Abid was such a kind and generous friend who was so passionate about the community he served. He knew his community inside out and was loyal to his friends, as well as our community and the council. He will be sorely missed.

From Mohammed Shafiq

My tribute:I had the honour of interviewing you and knowing your life of service for the community. You were selfless and there for people regardless of the time. You will be missed. It’s a huge loss for your family and community. Sending my prayers and love.

From Sabina Ahmed

My tribute:Inna lilahi wa inna ilahi rajioon... an outstanding member of the community... shocking news....may Allah swt grant them jannah and give the family sabr...Ameen

From Sadaqat Hussain

My tribute:Thank you uncle, learned a great deal from you over the years. You were there whenever I needed any help. You will truly be missed. Allaah azawajal bless you with a high rank in jannah.

From Community contributor

My tribute:Clllr Abid Hussain, lovely chap, always calm and thoughtful for all communities. One of a kind, his passing is big loss to the Bradford district.

From Shahid

My tribute:He was an absolutely amazing and selfless person who always put others first. Such a huge loss for Keighley. May Allah grant you a place in Jannat al firdous.

From Councillor Mohammed Shafiq

My tribute:With tear eyes and humbled heart. Content with Allah destiny, I received sad news of death of Cllr Abid Hussain, former Lord Mayor and councillor for Keighley. He was very kind and public servant. My prayers and thoughts and condolences to all his family. Abid was a good friend of mine, he was people’s person and served his communities well. He is a big loss to the district, he will be remembered for good work he did for all communities in our district during his term as a Lord Mayor and as a councillor.

From Chris Greaves

My tribute:Abid and I worked together on planning panels. The greatest compliment I can pay him is that he was always objective, he made his decisions and voted based on facts and planning rules, even if that was unpopular. I will miss him. Requiescat in pace

From Nazir Hussain

My tribute:Such sad news to hear of the passing of Cllr Haji Abid Hussain. We pray Allah grants him paradise and grants patience to his family during this difficult time. Ameen. I had the great pleasure of working alongside Cllr Haji Abid Hussain on a few occasions in the Keighley District alongside some of the local mosques and Imams during the bonfire period in relation to attacks on fire crews and fire appliances. A devoted Cllr who cared about his district and will be sadly missed.

From Dr Aziz Ahmad Hafiz

My tribute:God bless him. A truly sad day. My thoughts and prayers with his family.

From Councillor Majid Mahmood

My tribute:Cllr Abid Hussain was one of the most pleasant and helpful individuals I have come across. I met him on several occasions in Keighley and relied on his counsel given his vast experience of community affairs and local politics. He had a very good reputation in Bradford for his political work and will be sorely missed not just in Bradford but across the country. May Allah SWT grant Cllr Abid Hussain the highest place in paradise and give his family patience. Ameen

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: With Cllr Abid Hussain at the wedding of the brother of Cllr Nazam Azam in KeighleyWith Cllr Abid Hussain at the wedding of the brother of Cllr Nazam Azam in Keighley
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: With Cllr Abid Hussain, Bradford Cllrs, friends and Cllrs from across the country.With Cllr Abid Hussain, Bradford Cllrs, friends and Cllrs from across the country.

From Hassan Mahmood

My tribute:My condolences are with councillor Abid Hussain’s family so sad and shocked with the news. May allah pak grant them with the highest rank in jannah ameen. He was a very helpful and polite person. Always there for everyone. He has everyone’s duas. May allah swt give their family sabr ameen💔😭

From Joe Ashton

My tribute:I served as Deputy Town Clerk and later Acting Town Clerk in Keighley between 2016 and 2018. Councillor Abid Hussain was a regular visitor to my office. We would also see each other at civic and community events. Councillor Hussain was always friendly, kind and helpful, with a warm and cheerful personality. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.

From Mohammed Sageer

My tribute:Surely we all belong to Allah and to Him is our return

From Community contributor

My tribute:Excellent person will be missed highly. Georgi Majid

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Georgi MajidI am Hussain orgGeorgi MajidI am Hussain org

From Lynne Joyce

My tribute:My sincere condolences go to Abid's family and associates. I worked closely with Abid when I was a Councillor for Keighley South then Central. He was always a pleasure to know, kind hearted, supportive, humble and very good humoured. His loss is very, very sad.

From Yusuf Patel

My tribute:Always a warm welcoming smile, that was Abid and he would always stop and have a chat.

From Iftikar hussain

My tribute:Devastating news. A truly kind and caring person who will be sorely missed.

From Ian Andrews-Swailes

My tribute:Every time we met you had warm smile and a big hello. Rest in peace.

From Community contributor

My tribute:Very saddened to hear this news. We worked together on several projects, particularly Sneaky Peak in his year of office. He always had time to meet people who came into City Hall, say thank you and shake hands. A lovely gentleman. Many condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

From Cath Bacon

My tribute:Abid was a Council colleague and my agent but above this, he was a good friend. He did a lot of good work for charities without advertising it; he did not chase publicity for his donations. He was always available, day or night, if he was needed he would be there. He leaves a large hole in the Keighley community and will be sorely missed.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Campaigning in Keighley CentralCampaigning in Keighley Central
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: In the Rohingya refugee camp 5 in BangladeshIn the Rohingya refugee camp 5 in Bangladesh

From Shahidur Rahman

My tribute:Fantastic ambassador to community and charity work. Our visit in Bangladesh (Feb 2019) really showed how much he genuinely supports disadvantaged communities. He will be sadly missed 🙏🏼🙏🏼

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A Community ChampionA Community Champion

From Farrah Malik

My tribute:I am deeply saddened by the news of Councillor Abid Hussain who sadly has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I never had a chance to meet him but knowing from the people who knew him, he was a good human being and he has done a great job as a councillor and then mayor.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: RipRip

From Sajad Chaudhury

My tribute:A real ambassador for the people of Keighley and Bradford, known through out the region for his hard work, approachability, selfless, humble nature and active engagement with good causes that benefited the community he served. Thoughts and prayers with his family, friends and the people of the Bradford district who have lost a popular figure.

From Akbar hussain

My tribute:My tribute goes out to his family and his friends. He was great man. May allah pak give him high rank in janet ul ferdos ameen sum ameen

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: BrotherBrother

From Shaid Iqbal

My tribute:He was a beautiful human being who served his community and worked tirelessly to help those in need. Always smiling and with lots of energy, he was an amazing role model. He will be sadly missed RIP Abid.

From Ian houldsworth

My tribute:Fly high, Abid

From Shohaib Ali

My tribute:Such sad news to hear of the passing of our elder Cllr Haji Abid Hussain. We pray Allah grants him paradise and grants patience to his family during this difficult time. Ameen. I recall that he was always there for you in your hour of need and would meet you with a glowing smile. A true hero for the people of Keighley.

From Ann Quantrill

My tribute:Such a lovely man. I was honoured to have met you during my time as a community support and development worker. A true people’s person. R.I.P.

From Community contributor

My tribute:An absolute great guy, totally genuine and caring. Wanted everything to be right for everybody. He was a fantastic human being.

From Javed Khan

My tribute:Very shocking news. A good friend of mine, very good person. May Allah give him a high rank in paradise. Will be missed.

From Community contributor

My tribute:A lovely man who would always make time to stop for a chat when I was City Hall Security. RIP Abid.

From Neil Illingworth

My tribute:RIP. So sad and beginning to hate this cruel horrible virus. Hopefully people can look back at what he achieved and feel proud to have known him.

From Councillor Aneela Ahmed

My tribute:Absolutely devastated RIP Bhai Abid a true gentleman, big brother and mentor. Your warm smile and kind words will be missed. 💔💔💔

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 20172017

From Perwaz Asghar

My tribute:Inna lilahi wa inna alayhi rajioon (To Allah we belong To Allah we return) May Allah raise yiur rank in jananh (paradise). You have departed from this world, But left a hole in my heart, you will truly be missed.. love u (uncle). 🥲

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Abid HussainAbid Hussain

From Cllr Caroline Firth

My tribute:Abid was such a kind and generous friend who was so passionate about the community he served. He taught me so much and took me under his wing when I became a councillor. He knew his community inside out and was loyal to his friends, as well as our community and the council. He will be sorely missed.

From Mohsan Raza New Numbers

My tribute:Very nice man

From Councillor Angela Tait

My tribute:RIP Councillor Abid Hussain, a truly lovely gentleman who will be deeply missed x

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lord Mayor Abid Hussain supporting the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival raising funds for his charitiesLord Mayor Abid Hussain supporting the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival raising funds for his charities

From Khawar Hussain

My tribute:“To Allah We Belong And To Him We Shall Return” Such a humble and jolly soul. May Allah Grant Him The Highest Rank In Jannah❤️ Ameen

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Councillor Abid Hussain Jamaati Serving the CommunityCouncillor Abid Hussain Jamaati Serving the Community

From Bradford Civic Society

My tribute:On behalf of Bradford Civic Society we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Cllr Abid Hussain, a dedicated public servant and a proud ambassador for the Bradford District. Our thoughts are with Abid's family, friends, and those he worked with or helped in the community. Rest in peace, Abid.

From Les Irwin

My tribute:Cllr Hussain was a true gentleman. I worked alongside him many times in his role as Lord Mayor of Bradford. He was a fantastic Lord Mayor and Cllr for Keighley. What a very sad day. He always had such a welcome whenever I bumped into him outside of work.